Can you apply for a council house if you already own your own home?

maddeningly

I'm sure that sounds quite cheeky but there are 4 of us in a small 2 bed house and we are squashed in! On paper we can afford a bigger house but I'm at risk of redundancy this year and my partner in 2 years. We obviously don't want to get a bigger mortgage and then find ourselves in a position that we cannot afford it. Any advice would be appreciated

jonewer

Legally, I dont know. Morally, so long as you sell your house and donate the proceeds to the taxpayer, I dont see a problem.

Running_Horse

I do know of someone who did it in a national park despite living just outside and owning their own home. Got the flat and sold the home. Think they managed it on health grounds, but you wouldn't think it possible.

[Deleted User]

If you need a bigger place but can't take the long term risk of buying due to potential changes in the near future... have you considered renting? You seem to be prime candidates for renting: you'll get the space that you need without the long term commitment! As long as you're not about to type "but rent is wasted money"...

squinty

There is no one answer to this. It depends on the policy of each individual local authority, some will not allow it - others will but only offer low priority. Take a look at your local councils website.

Money_maker

Why are 4 people squashed in a 2 bedroom house? Heaven forbid.

Shoey1610

Well you can apply, there is no one that can stop you doing that. Unless you're in an area that has a surplus supply of council housing (!) You can expect a long wait if they even put you on the waiting list. You will be lower than low priority.

Johnnytwostep

I hope not, but if one can then i hope this loophole is closed very soon

maddeningly

Thank you for the informative replies. For the more negative ones - we are squashed because my children are sharing bunk beds and at an age where they could do with a room each. We can only fit a wardrobe suitable for babies clothes in there which is no where near enough and what should be our front room stores what we cannot fit in their room. I'm not trying to cheat the system or claim things that I shouldn't, I've worked all my life and am not entitled to any benefits other than what I still call family allowance. I guess I just find it unfair that some people get what my family need handed on a plate but I get penalised because I work!

Billie-S

squinty wrote: »

There is no one answer to this. It depends on the policy of each individual local authority, some will not allow it - others will but only offer low priority. Take a look at your local councils website.

I agree with this. And it's a tricky situation. Basically, with our council, anyone can go on the list, so it's worth getting on the list so at least you can start building up points. (For waiting time.)

But if you are offered something and you sell quickly (like to a private landlord or property buyer,) or sell first, and go live with family or in a short term let, the council or social landlord will want to know how much equity you got.

If you got £50K (for example,) and decided to clear debts with it, that makes no difference; they will still take that £50K into account, and it's highly unlikely you will be offered social housing. If your equity is much smaller, (like 4 figures,) they may offer you something then.

A pretty serious medical need may help, but even then, if the equity is huge, they will probably say no.

4 people in a 2-bed won't be classed as particularly very over-crowded. But for what it's worth, you deserve social housing as much as anyone. IMO, everyone should be given the chance to have a secure long-term tenancy with an affordable rent (eg a rent that costs no more than a fifth of their entire salary.)

Good luck with whatever you do.

maddeningly

citricsquid wrote: »

If you need a bigger place but can't take the long term risk of buying due to potential changes in the near future... have you considered renting? You seem to be prime candidates for renting: you'll get the space that you need without the long term commitment! As long as you're not about to type "but rent is wasted money"...

It's not that I think renting is a waste of money but I've lived here 12 years, if I move again I want it to be a forever home. Moving my children multiple times fills me with dread